International Korean Studies Conference to be held at the University of Wollongong

Nov 09, 2004

A three-day conference hosted by UOW's Faculty of Arts will begin tomorrow (Wednesday 10 November), bringing together a variety of distinguished participants from around the world including the Vice-President of POSCO, the world's largest steel company, and the Korean Ambassador.

The conference theme is 'The Park Era: A Reassessment After 25 Years', a reflection on some of the key questions that will be examined by academics and other commentators on the legacy of South Korea's long serving President, Park Chung Hee, who was assassinated 25 years ago.

The conference will focus on analysing and discussing Korean affairs, Korean culture, psychology, democracy, how Korea's national infrastructure has come to be what it is today and how the Park era still holds a position of great importance in South Korea's development as a nation.

Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Andrew Wells, said that the Park regime was a central player and agent in the political, economic and social conflicts that mark the period and drew much of the world's attention to the peninsula. "It is essential to our understanding of South Korea as a modern democracy and economic powerhouse, that we reassess this administration," he said.

Speakers will include the Presidential Former Senior Economic Secretary (1971-79), O Won-Ch'ol; the Vice President of POSCO (the world's largest steel company for the third consecutive year), Seok-Man Yoon; the Russian Consulate General, Mr Gregory Toloraya; the Korean Ambassador and a number of academics from institutions including the University of Tokyo, Seoul National University, University of Washington, University of California and the University of Hawaii.

Professor Wells and Professor Adrian Vickers from UOW will chair two of the sessions and Dr Kim-Hyung-A from the Faculty of Arts will speak on South Korea's Homeland Security Measures.

When: Wednesday 10 November - Friday 13 November, beginning with a Welcome Ceremony at 6pm.

Where: UniCentre Functions Rooms 3 & 4, University of Wollongong

For more information: June Aspley on 0422 691 757 or visit the website (as listed right)

To obtain paper abstracts contact: Renee Pearce on 02 4221 3290

***Media Please Note: Photo/filming opportunities available between 12-1pm both days

-RP

For more information, contact:

media@uow.edu.au
University of Wollongong
Ph: (02) 4221 5942; fax (02) 4221 3128